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Increased plasma fatty acid binding protein 4 concentration at the first prenatal visit and its relevance to
Gai-Hong Qiao1, Xiao-Zhen Sun2
1Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China. qmkpk5@163.com.
Insights
Elevated fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) in early pregnancy plasma indicates a higher risk of developing preeclampsia. This finding can aid in public health prevention strategies for preeclampsia.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Biomarkers in Pregnancy
Background:
- Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, affecting 2-8% of pregnancies.
- Current methods for predicting preeclampsia risk have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between plasma fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) concentrations in early pregnancy and the subsequent risk of preeclampsia.
- To determine if FABP4 can serve as an independent predictor of preeclampsia.
Main Methods:
- Serum FABP4 levels were measured in 1486 women during early pregnancy (March 2015-May 2016).
- Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between FABP4 levels and preeclampsia development.
- The predictive value of FABP4 was assessed by its ability to improve risk reclassification and discrimination.
Main Results:
- Median plasma FABP4 concentrations were significantly higher in women who later developed preeclampsia (P < 0.001).
- Each unit increase in FABP4 was associated with an 8% unadjusted and 4% adjusted increase in preeclampsia risk (OR 1.08 and 1.04, respectively).
- Inclusion of FABP4 improved the prediction of preeclampsia beyond established risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Elevated early pregnancy plasma FABP4 is an independent predictor of preeclampsia.
- FABP4 measurement offers a valuable tool for enhancing preeclampsia risk assessment and potentially guiding prevention efforts.
- These findings have implications for public health strategies aimed at reducing preeclampsia incidence and its complications.
Abstract:
Preeclampsia affects 2-8% of all pregnancies, and it is associated with significant perinatal mortality and morbidities including preterm birth and small for gestational age. We examined whether plasma fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) concentrations are associated with risk of later preeclampsia development. From March 2015 to May 2016, serum FABP4 was measured in 1486 women in early pregnancy. The relationship between the levels of FABP4 and preeclampsia were evaluated using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. The median plasma concentration of FABP4 at the first prenatal visit was significantly higher in women in whom preeclampsia developed later compared with those in whom it did not (P < 0.001). For each 1 unit increase in FABP4 plasma concentration, the unadjusted and adjusted risk of preeclampsia increased by 8% (odds ratio (OR): 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-1.12) and 4% (1.04; 95% CI: 1.02-1.07), respectively. The addition of FABP4 to established risk factors significantly improved net reclassification improvement. Increased FABP4 at the first prenatal visit of gestation independently predicted preeclampsia and significantly improved reclassification and discrimination. This information is important to guide public health efforts in preeclampsia prevention.
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